Share it

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Excitement in Denver

Today, and this weekend, are a big event for me. I just got into the hotel in Denver for the 2012 installment of the USAAA global conference.

It was at this conference two years ago that I was on a panel with Temple Grandin and it was at that point that I was convinced that I had a future in my role of presenting. Sure, I had been on the job at TouchPoint for seven months, but it was at that time that I knew that this job wasn’t just a job, but a lifelong career and passion.

So yes, this year’s conference is set to begin and I am coming into it was a much different attitude than I did two years ago. I thought about how far I’ve come, not just as a presenter but also as a person, from when I did the 2010 conference. Going into that conference I was so nervous in the weeks leading up to it that I felt an almost constant feeling of nausea. Also, I didn’t know if what I had to say meant anything to anyone. Now though I know my voice and message are strong.

I feel kind of spoiled this go round as I have a one hour presentation by myself on Friday and I am on a panel on Saturday regarding advocacy and bullying. Two years ago I don’t know if I would have had the life experience to talk on that subject, but I can’t wait to be able to add to the discussion.

So that’s where I am at today. I am so excited to be at my first conference outside of Missouri and I can’t wait to give the presentation of my life tomorrow!

Who I Am

Hello, my name is Aaron Likens and thanks for visiting my blog. I am the Autism Ambassador for Easter Seals Midwest and also the author of the book "Finding Kansas. My passion in life is to raise the awareness and understanding of the autism spectrum through this blog as well as the many presentations I give. For myself, as much as it is a passion, it is personal because I was given the diagnosis of Asperger's when I was 20. Back then there wasn't much info and I fell into a pit of despair. I stayed there for 15 months but then I eventually discovered myself through writing and now here I am and here you are on my blog. There are well over 1,000 posts on this blog as I started blogging in March of 2010. So whether you're reading today's blog, or are skimming through stories of the past, I hope that your time here gives you a better glimps of what living life on the autism spectrum, or, "other side of the wall" is like. If you do like what you see please follow me on Facebook as that's where I share when I've written a new blog as well as announcing where I will be presenting. Please note that the opinions expressed on this blog are mine and may not be reflective of Easter Seals Midwest.

The Sunglasses Experiment

I ran a sunglasses experiment to judge why eye contact is so difficult. I wore them for about 15 days, then I switched back to my normal glasses to see how big of a difference there was. By clicking my picture you can be taken to the page that has the complete experiement all in one place.

About Me

I am the Autism Ambassador for Easter Seals Midwest and also the author of Finding Kansas: Living and Decoding Asperger's Syndrome. My passion in life is raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders and to help the world understand how the mind of a person on the spectrum works. I can do this because I am on the spectrum (Asperger's).
I was diagnosed at the age of 20 and after the diagnosis a lot of my quirks made sense. I didn't understand who I was though and went into a deep depression. Through this depression though I became very keen on my inner self and I started to write. I wrote and I wrote and before I knew it I wrote a book.
5 years later I am, among other things, giving presentations to police, teachers, and parents and am now starting my quest on making the best blog possible!
The views on this blog are mine and may not be reflective of Touch Point Autism Services.
If you have any questions, or comments, or have an article idea please email me at aaron.likens@yahoo.com.